These Pretty Paris Streets Are Unreal: Roads in Paris You Must Visit

It’s official: Paris is the prettiest city in the world! Okay, maybe only in my opinion. However, a walk down any of these pretty Paris streets may just convince you to feel the same way. And (if you don’t already) perhaps you’ll start believing that the city of love is a place worth returning to again, and again… and again!

After all one of the biggest draws of Paris is its cobble lined streets, wide leafy boulevards, and sidewalk cafés. So join me in this quest, as I search for the very best of roads the City of Love has to offer. Whether it be historic highlights, filming locations, or simply a beautiful destination, here are the most beautiful streets in Paris!

#1 Rue des Rosiers, 4th Arrondissement

Situated in the very heart of Le Marais, Rue des Rosiers is one of those streets that makes you feel like you’re strolling through the Paris straight from a movie. A cobbled lane filled with cafés, eateries, and independent boutiques, Rue des Rosiers is easily one of the most iconic streets Paris has to offer.

Oh, and while there be sure not to miss the world-famous L’As du Fallafel. Located at number 34 Rue des Rosiers, I’ve never tasted such good falafel (and at such a good price too!). In order to make the most of your time in Le Marais district, I highly recommend following this free and self-guided Le Marais walking tour.

#2 Rue des Barres, 4th arrondissement

Trailing ivy covers the house at the end of the road and the cobbled nature of the alley means that few cars can, or even will venture up this narrow lane. Rue des Barres is the perfect location to sip on an espresso and escape the hustle Led bustle of le Marais.

Here lies your opportunity to stroll down one of Paris’ prettiest streets, camera in one hand, curiosity in the other. And if you’re a fan of all things movie-related, then you might be interested to know that a scene of Gossip Girl in Paris was filmed down this street, as well as several perfume adverts!

While along this medieval road, don’t forget to check out the address where Heloise and Abelard are alleged to have undertaken their forbidden 12th-century Romance. Also of note is the adjacent Rue des Chantres, one of the narrowest streets in Paris!

#4 Rue Cremieux, 12th arrondissement

Though less of a ‘Paris secret’ than just a few years ago, Rue Cremieux is full of colourful houses and plenty of cats. As a result of its ‘Portobello Road look,’ Rue Cremieux has become pretty ‘insta famous’ in the past few years. And for good reason.

You can’t stroll down this pretty Parisian street without snapping at least one or two of the colourful houses and quirky architecture. This road is barely a few hundred meters away from Bastille Opera, home to Paris’ other opera house and once home to the infamous pre-revolution prison, Bastille.

#5 Square de Montsouris, 14th arrondissement

Don’t let the name of this pretty Parisian street fool you! This ‘square‘ is actually one of the prettiest streets in Paris and it’s close to one of the most picturesque parks in the city, Parc de Montsouris. Square de Montsouris is located in the 14e arrondissement of the city.

This cobbled lane is a great place to wander around if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of tourists surrounding more ‘famous’ parts of the city. Nearby, the Parc Montsouris is home to a closed off part of the Petite Ceinture, while the infamous Paris Catacombs aren’t too far away…

#6 Rue de l’Abreuvoir, 18th arrondissement

Of all the pretty Paris streets listed here, I think that Rue de l’aubreuvoir must be my favourite! The pink house of Montmartre sits at one end of the street, while Place Dalida (dedicated to the iconic singer) can be found at the other end.

Rue de l’Aubreuvoir is like stepping into Paris of the past, only this time with selfie sticks and proper waste facilities! Here you’ll find a cute cobbled road, plenty of trailing ivy and few tourists. For the best possible lighting and capturing the place without the crowds, I recommend visiting first thing in the morning, mid-week if possible. For more hidden gems of Montmartre, here’s your guide to the best of secret spots in the 18e.

#7 Rue Lamarck, 18th arrondissement

Okay, just one more street in Montmartre, I promise! Then we’ll go and explore some other parts of the city… So, I know everyone just loves exploring around the Parvis de Sacré Coeur, the Sinking House of Montmartre, and the likes, but the other day I was strolling through the back streets of Montmartre when I stumbled on this gem…

The café of Le Refuge is perched on the steps leading down from the top of the Montmartre hill and looks like it’s come straight out of the last century. Rue Lamarck itself is named for the 18th to 19th Century Professor of Zoology and can be found at the meeting point of Montmartre hill and the butte of Montmartre.

#8 Rue Nicolas Flamel, 4th arrondissement

Yes, you read that correctly! No, I am not making this up: Nicolas Flamel was a real person and he lived in Paris together with his wife. It’s thought that JK Rowling owes her ‘Flamel Inspiration’ to her time studying abroad in Paris during university.

Although Flamel was an academic and store owner in medieval Paris, it’s thought that the ‘alchemist’ rumours surrounding him did not emerge until centuries following his death. The cute little street of Rue Nicolas Flamel is located in Le Marais, not far from Hôtel de Ville.

That large tower you can see at the end of the road in the picture below is known as ‘Tour Saint Jacques’ and is all that remains of a once grand medieval church which dominated the area. In the summertime, it’s possible to ascend the tower for a fee. Want to know more? Here’s your guide to searching for Harry Potter in Paris!

#9 Quai de la Tournelle, 5th arrondissement

Come summertime, there are few things I enjoy more than strolling along the banks of the Seine and admiring the Parisian sites. One of the best places to do this is Quai de la Tournelle. Wander past Île de la Cité, and admire the small independent shops that make up the Latin Quarter of the city.

From this pretty street, you can see Notre Dame in all its glory (and even some cherry blossom in the Spring)! Other highlights of Quai de la Tournelle include several bouquinistes (these book and antique vendors are now listed as UNESCO) and plenty of picnic spots at which to enjoy a picnic à la Parisian.

#10 Champs-Élysées, 8th arrondissement

Last, but certainly not least, no trip to Paris would be complete without a stroll along the iconic Champs. Literally translated as ‘Elysian Fields’, of all the pretty Paris streets on this list, surely this iconic shopping street is the most famous. And with the Arc de Triomphe on one end and the famous wheel at Concorde on the other, it’s not hard to see why!

Enjoyed reading about where to find the prettiest streets in Paris? Pin it now, read it again later:

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Sophie Nadeau currently resides in the beautiful British countryside. With a love of history, photography, and all things France related, she runs www.solosophie.com when she's not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming her weight in sweet food.

15 Comments

Sam

Sam

28th November 2018 at 11:27 am

Dear Sophie, I’m about to head to the UK and Paris from Australia for three weeks. Your blog has added so much depth to my trip, I am very grateful for your ideas, fine pride and gorgeous photos. Thank you so much!

carol

24th March 2018 at 12:14 pm

i love it Sophie and the photos are soooooo beautiful, me and my husband are visiting Paris this summer and i had already planned to focus our trip on Montmartre and picturesque places so i’m gonna print your posts for us! also your MontmartreWalkingTour is just Perfect! thank u.

I’m traveling to Paris in July and this is EXACTLY the blog post I was looking for to fuel the excitement! These photos look like they’ve been taken off a film set. If you had to pick only one Parisian street to recommend, what would you be your pick?

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